“Dear ladies and gentlemen,
In this beautiful hall, the Eurovision Song Contest was held exactly one year ago. I am thankful that I don’t have to compete in a song contest for your attention.
And I am happy to be here at the EPP Congress because I know that I’m here among friends. Friends who share the same values, and our belief in free democratic Belarus.
For many years, EPP was a driving force that supported Belarus democracy, in the European Parliament and beyond.
Let me also express my admiration and respect for Belarus members of the EPP family – United Civic Party, Belarusian Christian Democracy, and The Movement For Freedom.
Together, we held a powerful campaign in 2020 followed by a democratic uprising, and a brutal crackdown. Many of us were sentenced, tortured, and forced into exile. But never, I say never, we gave up.
Dear friends,
I would like to repeat one obvious, but sometimes forgotten fact: Belarus is Europe. Belarus is not Russia.
It became evident when Lukashenka tried to drag our country into war. Belarusians put all their efforts into helping Ukraine. 1500 people were detained for anti-war protests in February and March. More than 80 acts of sabotage have been carried out by partisans inside Belarus, and more than 1.500 volunteers joined Belarusian battalions in the Ukrainian army.
Therefore, it’s crucial to distinguish the regime and the people of Belarus, tirelessly fighting against tyranny. Help the people and punish the regime.
On one hand, open doors Belarusian students, support free media, and welcome businesses fleeing Belarus. Help those fighting on the ground. Consider unilateral visa-free for Belarusians. What a powerful message it would be!
On the other hand, strengthen sanctions, both personal and sectoral. Sanctions should not be a bargaining chip. The regime tries to lift sanctions, therefore it blackmails the world with hunger. Don’t make deals with dictators, they can’t be appeased.
Don’t bargain on political prisoners, who are in fact, hostages. There are more than 1200 of them. And all of them must be released unconditionally. Some of them might face the death sentence, according to a new law signed by illegitimate Lukashenka. He can kill opponents, but he can't silence an entire nation.
In 2020, we won the right to decide our own future as a nation. We showed that Belarus is not Russia. We started our path to freedom and democracy. We are European nation with our own language, identity, and history.
This path leads Belarus to where it historically belongs – to Europe. It also opens a question of the European perspective for our nation. We are seeking a form of partnership that would solidify our place in the European family.
I am sure that the path to peace in Europe goes through freedom in Belarus. The path to peace in Europe leads through the victory of Ukraine. I know it's a difficult path, but that's the only right one. Let's walk this path together. Because only when we walk together, we are Europe.
Thank you!”
Watch the video of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's speech at this link.
